HomeGreen ShippingThe Top Sustainability Certifications that Shipowners and Charterers Want

The Top Sustainability Certifications that Shipowners and Charterers Want

July 31, 2025

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Maritime sustainability is no longer a “nice to have.” From port incentives to investor scrutiny, holding credible green certifications directly translates into dollars saved, deals secured, and reputational advantage. The industry’s shift toward decarbonization and ESG compliance has made certifications like ISO 14001, the Green Award, and CII grades part of a shipowner’s competitive playbook.

1️⃣ Green Award Certification (expand)
The Green Award Foundation, based in Rotterdam, certifies sea‑going and inland vessels that exceed standard practices in safety, environmental management, and crew welfare. Certification includes both shipboard and shore office audits to verify operational quality and sustainability. 🌍 Overseen By:
  • Green Award Foundation with backing from IACS, BIMCO, INTERTANKO, the US Coast Guard and P&I clubs
📜 What It Proves:
  • Compliance with higher standards in navigation safety, pollution prevention, crew welfare and quality management
🎯 Why Shipowners and Charterers Want It:
  • Discounted port and service fees at over 100 ports worldwide
  • Priority vetting and preference from charterers and insurers
  • Improved commercial positioning in sustainability‑focused fixtures
📊 Cost Implications:
  • Annual fees based on GT (for example €5,555 for vessels above 350,000 GT in 2025)
  • Additional costs for audit travel and crew training
  • Eligible for reimbursement or discounts via green loans or P&I club support
📝 Application Steps:
  • Conduct an internal gap assessment of current procedures and management systems
  • Train crew and shore staff on Green Award protocols and documentation
  • Submit application to the Foundation and schedule an audit
  • Address any audit findings and complete corrective action steps
  • Undergo final certification survey; certificate valid for three years with annual recertification
Bottom Line:
  • Green Award is a commercial and operational differentiator. Earn port savings, faster vetting and stronger charter appeal by adopting proven environmental and safety practices.
🌐 Link
2️⃣ Environmental Ship Index (ESI) (expand)
The Environmental Ship Index (ESI) scores ships based on their emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and carbon dioxide (CO₂), going beyond current regulatory requirements. It is used by ports and authorities worldwide to incentivize cleaner vessels through discounts and priority treatment. 🌍 Overseen By:
  • International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH)
📜 What It Proves:
  • That a ship emits fewer pollutants than required under MARPOL Annex VI
  • Transparency in reporting fuel usage and emissions performance
🎯 Why Shipowners and Charterers Want It:
  • Qualifies for port fee reductions at over 60 participating ports
  • Enhances reputation with shippers prioritizing green logistics
  • Used in ESG reporting and sustainability-linked financing metrics
📊 Cost Implications:
  • No application fee; registration is free via the IAPH platform
  • Minor administrative costs for reporting and verification
  • Can result in thousands of euros saved annually per ship in port fees
📝 Application Steps:
  • Gather relevant emissions data and fuel consumption logs
  • Create an account on the ESI platform and submit vessel data
  • Receive ESI score and print the certificate
  • Share with ports and clients as part of your commercial documents
Bottom Line:
  • ESI is a globally recognized, low-cost tool for earning port discounts and proving voluntary emissions reductions beyond compliance.
🌐 Link
3️⃣ Clean Shipping Index (expand)
The Clean Shipping Index (CSI) is an independent rating system evaluating the environmental performance of ocean carriers across five key areas: CO₂, SOx/particulate matter, NOx, chemicals, and waste. It is widely used by cargo owners and port authorities to reward sustainable shipping practices. 🌍 Overseen By:
  • Clean Shipping Index Foundation (Sweden)
📜 What It Proves:
  • Detailed performance across emissions, chemicals, water, and waste handling
  • Carrier’s commitment to transparency and sustainability
🎯 Why Shipowners and Charterers Want It:
  • Preferred by environmentally conscious cargo owners and logistics buyers
  • Used in green procurement policies by large multinational shippers
  • Contributes to a competitive advantage in sustainability‑linked tenders
📊 Cost Implications:
  • Carrier participation fees based on fleet size
  • Costs for internal data gathering and periodic updates
  • ROI comes through improved business with sustainability‑focused clients
📝 Application Steps:
  • Review CSI criteria and collect data across the five impact categories
  • Register vessels and submit verified documentation
  • Receive CSI rating and use in marketing, tenders, and ESG disclosures
Bottom Line:
  • The Clean Shipping Index is a trusted benchmark used by top shippers to identify and reward cleaner carriers, often tied to contract preference and sustainability audits.
🌐 Link
4️⃣ RightShip GHG Rating (expand)
RightShip’s GHG Rating evaluates a vessel’s design-based carbon efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to E (least efficient). It integrates EEXI, EVDI and EEDI indices in a speed‑corrected methodology to enable peer comparison across vessel types. The rating helps charterers and owners select low-emitting vessels. 🌍 Overseen By:
  • RightShip Pty Ltd, a maritime sustainability standard provider
📜 What It Proves:
  • That a vessel’s design offers better-than-average carbon intensity relative to similar ships
  • Incorporates EEXI compliance, signaling technological readiness for IMO phase-in rules
🎯 Why Shipowners and Charterers Want It:
  • Charterers use A‑ to C‑rated vessels to reduce Scope 3 emissions
  • Preferred in vetting and fixtures involving sustainability-linked contracts
  • Aligns with financing under Poseidon Principles or decarbonisation goals
📊 Cost Implications:
  • Data submission and verification costs vary by vessel size and information complexity
  • No fixed port fees, but rating benefits may yield broker or charter premium
  • Improved rating can enhance resale value and reduce insurance risk premiums
📝 Application Steps:
  • Prepare ship design parameters, EEDI/EEXI certification, engine and capacity data
  • Submit data through the RightShip platform for automatic rating
  • Optionally verify rating by providing independent certification documentation
  • Update rating if vessel is retrofitted with Energy Saving Devices or efficiency improvements
Bottom Line:
  • The GHG Rating is an industry benchmark for vessel carbon efficiency. It supports fleet decarbonisation, charter attractiveness and ESG disclosures. A verified high rating can drive fixture preference and financing advantages.
🌐 Link
5️⃣ ISO 14001 Certification (expand)
ISO 14001 is the international standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS). It provides a structured framework for identifying, managing, and continually improving an organization’s environmental impacts. More than 300,000 companies across 171 countries use the current ISO 14001:2015 version as of mid‑2025. 🌍 Overseen By:
  • International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
📜 What It Proves:
  • Systematic environmental policy, planning, compliance, and continual improvement
  • Ability to set measurable sustainability objectives and manage regulatory risk
🎯 Why Shipowners and Charterers Want It:
  • Clears path to green financing, supply chain screening, and premium charter clauses
  • Supports compliance with IMO regulations and EU environmental directives
  • Validates an organization’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and waste
📊 Cost Implications:
  • Third‑party certification fees vary by company size and scope
  • Internal costs for developing policy, documentation, training, and audits
  • Long-term ROI includes waste reduction, lower energy use, and improved stakeholder trust
📝 Application Steps:
  • Perform gap analysis between existing management systems and ISO 14001 requirements
  • Design environmental policy and objectives targeting emissions, waste, and resource use
  • Develop and implement EMS procedures across shipboard and shore operations
  • Conduct internal audits and management reviews before external certification
  • Complete certification audit via accredited registrar, then maintain with annual surveillance audits
Bottom Line:
  • ISO 14001 certification shows that a shipping organization manages its environmental impact in a structured, measurable, and continuously improving way. It is often mandatory for ESG-linked financing and regulatory alignment.
🌐 Link
6️⃣ ISO 50001 Certification (expand)
ISO 50001 is the international standard for Energy Management Systems (EnMS). It supports organizations in all sectors to establish a formal system for measuring, analyzing and improving energy use. Shipowners use it to optimize ship and shore operations, reduce fuel and emissions, and integrate with existing ISO management protocols. 🌍 Overseen By:
  • International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
📜 What It Proves:
  • Energy performance is managed systematically and continuously improved
  • Greenhouse gas emissions are reduced through structured energy use improvement
🎯 Why Shipowners and Charterers Want It:
  • Enables participation in sustainability-linked financing and energy efficiency schemes
  • Supports regulatory compliance with IMO rules on energy use and emissions
  • Flags commitment to ESG practices required by lenders and charterers
📊 Cost Implications:
  • Certification audit fees vary by company size and scope
  • Internal costs include system design, training, data gathering and audits
  • Long-term benefits include reduced fuel and energy costs and improved stakeholder trust
📝 Application Steps:
  • Conduct a gap analysis against ISO 50001 EnMS requirements
  • Define energy policy supported by operational objectives and performance indicators
  • Implement procedures for monitoring, data collection and energy efficiency plans
  • Create internal audit and review processes to guide improvement
  • Engage an accredited registrar for certification audit and maintain with regular audits
Bottom Line:
  • ISO 50001 certification demonstrates robust energy governance and ongoing fuel efficiency improvement. It supports both cost reduction and stakeholder credibility in a regulatory and capital-constrained environment.
🌐 Link
7️⃣ IMO CII Rating (expand)
The Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) is a mandatory rating system introduced by the IMO for ships above 5,000 GT. It assigns a grade from A to E based on a vessel’s CO₂ emissions per cargo ton-mile. Starting from 2023, CII ratings are used to assess energy efficiency performance and require continual improvement plans for low-scoring ships. 🌍 Overseen By:
  • International Maritime Organization (IMO)
📜 What It Proves:
  • Measures actual operational carbon efficiency of a ship
  • Based on reported fuel consumption, distance sailed, and cargo carried
  • Annual rating influences regulatory status and commercial perception
🎯 Why Shipowners and Charterers Want It:
  • Grades A to C are generally acceptable for chartering and compliance
  • Ratings impact asset value, refinancing terms, and insurance negotiations
  • Charter-party clauses increasingly require minimum CII ratings
📊 Cost Implications:
  • No direct IMO fee, but mandatory reporting is enforced through flag states and classification societies
  • Poor ratings may require retrofits, speed reductions, or voyage planning optimization
  • Failure to improve low grades can affect charterability and regulatory compliance
📝 Application Steps:
  • Ensure Data Collection System (DCS) is correctly reporting fuel and voyage data
  • Work with class society or technical managers to calculate CII
  • Submit CII data annually via flag state or authorized organization
  • Implement a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) Part III for continuous improvement if rated D or E
Bottom Line:
  • CII is now one of the most visible and influential performance scores in commercial shipping. Owners must treat it as both a compliance requirement and a competitive benchmark.
🌐 Link
9️⃣ EcoVadis Sustainability Rating (expand)
EcoVadis provides a third-party sustainability rating used across supply chains and industries. Its methodology covers environmental, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement practices. While not maritime-specific, many shipowners and charterers use EcoVadis to benchmark ESG maturity and qualify for green contracts. 🌍 Overseen By:
  • EcoVadis SAS, headquartered in France
  • Used by over 100,000 companies in global procurement networks
📜 What It Proves:
  • Independent assessment of ESG performance across multiple categories
  • Quantitative scorecard valid for 12 months
  • Benchmarking against peers and industry averages
🎯 Why Shipowners and Charterers Want It:
  • Required by major cargo owners and logistics providers
  • Used to qualify for ESG-linked charters, tenders, and financing
  • Improves transparency and documentation for Scope 3 emissions disclosures
📊 Cost Implications:
  • Annual subscription starts at €499 for basic assessment
  • Premium packages available with benchmarking and corrective action tools
  • Costs may be offset through enhanced customer access or green loan eligibility
📝 Application Steps:
  • Create an account and select a subscription tier
  • Submit company documentation related to ESG policies, practices, and certifications
  • EcoVadis evaluates and issues a score from 0 to 100
  • Review scorecard and implement improvement actions if needed
  • Share rating with clients via the EcoVadis platform or PDF export
Bottom Line:
  • EcoVadis offers a widely recognized ESG score that can unlock commercial and financial opportunities. It helps shipowners demonstrate proactive sustainability beyond regulatory minimums.
🌐 Link
🔟 Green Marine Europe (expand)
Green Marine Europe is a voluntary environmental certification program tailored for shipowners operating in European waters. It provides a detailed framework for evaluating and reducing the environmental footprint of marine operations, based on performance across multiple indicators. 🌍 Overseen By:
  • Green Marine Europe, a joint initiative of Surfrider Foundation Europe and Green Marine (North America)
📜 What It Proves:
  • Voluntary environmental performance across 13 key areas, including air emissions, waste, oil spills, and underwater noise
  • Commitment to continuous improvement and transparency
  • Participation in independent third-party verification
🎯 Why Shipowners and Charterers Want It:
  • Helps comply with EU Green Deal goals and port sustainability partnerships
  • Recognized by European shippers seeking cleaner logistics partners
  • Supports investor and regulatory ESG disclosures
📊 Cost Implications:
  • Annual membership and verification fees vary by fleet size
  • Costs generally range from €2,000 to €15,000 depending on company scale and audit complexity
  • Can reduce environmental compliance costs through early adoption and stakeholder alignment
📝 Application Steps:
  • Enroll as a participant and submit company profile
  • Conduct internal assessment across all applicable indicators
  • Complete external verification by approved auditor
  • Submit performance results and publish annual report
  • Improve year-on-year to maintain or increase certification level
Bottom Line:
  • Green Marine Europe is ideal for owners wanting to showcase environmental leadership in EU markets. It helps align commercial operations with rising sustainability standards and policy pressures.
🌐 Link
1️⃣1️⃣ Class “Clean” Notations (e.g. DNV CLEAN, ABS ESG-Ready) (expand)
Class notations like DNV CLEAN and ABS ESG-Ready are voluntary marks assigned by classification societies to vessels that meet or exceed defined environmental performance standards. These notations demonstrate a proactive approach to sustainability and are increasingly recognized by ports, charterers, and financiers. 🌍 Overseen By:
  • Major classification societies such as DNV, ABS, BV, LR, and ClassNK
📜 What It Proves:
  • That the ship meets enhanced standards for emissions, ballast water, oil discharge, garbage handling, and underwater noise
  • That ESG planning and reporting frameworks are in place (for ESG-Ready types)
  • Operational readiness for upcoming IMO or regional regulations
🎯 Why Shipowners and Charterers Want It:
  • May qualify for port incentives and sustainability-linked benefits
  • Improves vetting and charter appeal for ESG-sensitive clients
  • Supports internal ESG targets and shareholder communications
📊 Cost Implications:
  • Survey and documentation review fees vary by society and vessel type
  • Implementation may require equipment upgrades or enhanced procedures
  • Can be bundled with other class activities to reduce overall cost
📝 Application Steps:
  • Request the specific notation criteria from the classification society
  • Review ship and company procedures for alignment with requirements
  • Undergo assessment survey and submit supporting documentation
  • Make any required modifications or upgrades
  • Receive notation upon successful completion and compliance confirmation
Bottom Line:
  • Class notations like DNV CLEAN and ABS ESG-Ready show forward-looking commitment and give owners a commercial edge as sustainability becomes central to fleet decisions and financing.
🌐 Link
1️⃣2️⃣ Poseidon Principles / Sea Cargo Charter Alignment Letters (expand)
These frameworks align shipping with the climate goals of the Paris Agreement by requiring signatories to disclose and benchmark the carbon intensity of their portfolios or chartered tonnage. Vessels aligned with these principles are more attractive to financiers, energy majors, and sustainability-focused shippers. 🌍 Overseen By:
  • Poseidon Principles Association and Sea Cargo Charter Secretariat
  • Supported by global banks, energy companies, and dry/wet cargo operators
📜 What It Proves:
  • Annual reporting and transparency on CO₂ emissions and carbon intensity (AER or EEOI)
  • Proactive alignment with decarbonization trajectories validated by IMO and SBTi
  • Willingness to be held accountable by third parties for sustainability commitments
🎯 Why Shipowners and Charterers Want It:
  • Required or highly preferred by climate-aligned financiers and charterers
  • Signals strong ESG governance and emission-tracking capability
  • Enhances access to green loans and low-carbon cargo partnerships
📊 Cost Implications:
  • No direct application fee, but requires verified emissions data reporting
  • Costs may include MRV/DCS compliance software and third-party verification
  • Participation often bundled into ESG or corporate sustainability programs
📝 Application Steps:
  • Align data collection with IMO DCS and EU MRV systems
  • Use AER/EEOI frameworks to calculate intensity metrics
  • Submit emissions data to participating banks or cargo owners upon request
  • Maintain annual transparency and tracking against IMO trajectories
Bottom Line:
  • Poseidon Principles and Sea Cargo Charter alignment allow shipowners and operators to stay in the good graces of climate-focused financiers and cargo owners, reinforcing their place in a decarbonizing maritime economy.
🌐 Link
Why Sustainability Certifications Matter
Driver Incentive Type Main Beneficiaries Example Certifications or Ratings Real-World Impact
Port and Canal Incentives Lower dues, priority berthing, faster clearance Shipowners, Port Agents Green Award, ESI (Environmental Ship Index) Up to 10% fee reduction at key ports including Rotterdam, LA, and Yokohama
Charter-Party Clauses Eligibility for long-term or premium charters Charterers, Brokers CII Grade A to C, RightShip Rating Charters can be denied or devalued without minimum sustainability rating
Access to Capital Better loan terms, lower insurance premiums Shipowners, Financial Officers Poseidon Principles, ISO 14001, Green Bonds Verified ESG credentials can lower loan rates by 25 to 75 basis points
Regulatory Head-Start Simplified compliance with IMO and EU rules Fleet Operators, Technical Managers ISO 14001, EU MRV Compliance, CII Grades Early adopters face fewer penalties and disruptions
Brand and Cargo Owner Pressure Retention of high-profile cargo clients Shipowners, Forwarders Scope 3 Reporting, Green Award, Environmental Transparency Top FMCG and retail brands now require green performance disclosures in RFPs
Note: These certifications are increasingly required by ports, financial institutions, charterers, and regulators as shipping shifts toward measurable ESG accountability in 2025 and beyond.

As I worked through this guide, one thing became clear: sustainability certifications are no longer just a nice-to-have, they’re a strategic advantage. Whether you're looking to reduce operating costs, unlock green financing, or position your fleet more competitively with charterers, these credentials are opening doors.

Personally, I’ve seen how these programs are reshaping industry expectations. The more I dig in, the more I believe shipowners and charterers who stay ahead of the sustainability curve will benefit the most, not just environmentally, but commercially.

If you're just starting to explore your options, pick one or two that align best with your ship types, operating regions, and commercial goals. Over time, layering these certifications can compound the benefits and set you apart in a tightening marketplace.

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By the ShipUniverse Editorial Team — About Us | Contact


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